Pages

03 August 2017

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island -- Review by Andrea Stephens

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels
My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring 
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Review by Andrea Stephens

I absolutely loved this book! This is by far my favorite book by author Carrie Fancett Pagels, and I've read them all.
The intrigue of the secret identities, the neighborly, family-like love between the islanders and how they look out for each other, the impish little brother Jack, Maude, and the stranger who has unwittingly captured her heart. All come together to create one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Maude is more upset than heartbroken when she meets her supposed fiance and his new wife on the docks as they return to the island.  Maude literally plows into Ben as she is leaving the wharf in angry tears. Though there is no introduction between the two the compassion showed by Ben was memorable. Maude finds herself thinking about him more than Greyson and Ben thinks of her too.
Without a husband her father won't let Maude run the family inn by herself, she doesn't understand why.  He threatens to sell The Winds of Mackinac Inn that has been in her mother's family for generations, the inn she believed she would inherit. It is her life, her home, her very breath, she cannot leave.  Maude has to prove to him she can do it on her own. She secretly gets a job as a maid at the posh Grand Hotel. Her friend Sadie says “Aren't you pushing this a little too far, Maude? You have no idea what you are in for working as a maid.”

I felt Maude's job at the Grand Hotel was very important to the story, as she learned some valuable lessons about herself and how she relates to other people. Friedrich, aka Ben, finds out the story he was sent to work on has changed, he's not entirely comfortable with the new direction. In the meantime, he can't stop thinking of Maude and searches her out.  Introductions are made and after his act of heroism, the two become closer.  I enjoyed this little romance as it was something unexpected by Maude, an islander and him a temporary visitor.
There is so much I want to say here about the story and other characters but I fear it would spoil it for others so I will not.  It is something you MUST read for yourself. The book is fast paced, filled with mystery and secrets that abound at every turn. The romance is heartwarming and real.
I so very much enjoyed this visit to the “Pristine Beauty” of Mackinac Island in the summer of 1895. I could feel the sights and sounds of life on the island as a visitor and as a resident.

I will finish this review with a quote from the book that was meaningful to me and I hope it will be meaningful to you too: 
 “...sometimes God has to put us in a place where He can mold us and ready us for something new. And sometimes He puts friends around us to help us, doesn't He?”
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. After, my first reading, I ordered it for my Kindle so I could read this again, wherever I am.
Links to purchase:
Links to purchase My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring (Barbour Publishing, July 2017)
Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed (and personalized, if you wish!) copy of My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring.

52 comments:

  1. I'd love a copy. Thanks for the chance, Andrea & Carrie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After seeing Carrie's pictures from her recent trip to Mackinac, I love this book even more.
      Good luck, Cynthia!

      Delete
    2. YW Cynthia! I'm so happy about this novel releasing in this series! Blessings!

      Delete
    3. What a fabulous review. I would love to win a copy! Jacqueline Kimball

      Delete
  2. I have been waiting for this book to come out. I have visited the island many times an when you step off the boat you feel like you are stepping back in time. Thanks Andrea for your great review and Carrie for writing it.
    Thanks for a chance to win this great book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you will love this book Rory!
      Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Hi Rory, I was thinking you had a copy! Best wishes!

      Delete
  3. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
    lizlindsey70 at yahoo dotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a really good book Liz!
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Liz! Watch for a Miss and Mrs. Lindsey in my novella in First Love Forever Collection from Barbour next spring! Our "neighbors" in Mackinaw City in July are letting me borrow their names for Sadie's story "His Anchor."

      Delete
    3. Congrats, LIZ Lindsey, per random.org you are the winner of a copy of My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring! Blessings!

      Delete
  4. Lovely review, Andrea. I've read so many wonderful reviews of My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island I need to win or find a copy. Sadly no stores in our area carries it. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. Someone will be a blessed winner.
    marilynridgway78 [at] gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marilyn. It is getting harder to find inspirational fiction in stores, some will order the books for you if you ask.
      Good luck in the giveaway! I hope you get to read Maude's story soon.

      Delete
    2. Sorry to hear that, Marilyn! I hope you can find My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island in stores or in a library near you! Best wishes! Blessings!

      Delete
  5. This sounds like a lovely, inspirational read. I have not read any of Carrie's books. Definitely have to go on my TBR list. Great review. Love that quote.
    ItsStillLifeNow at Gmail Dot Com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You really must read some of Carrie's books. This one is great!
      Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
    2. I hope you'll get a chance to read all of my twelve romance books in print! Blessings!

      Delete
  6. Thank you for the nice review Andrea. I also loved this book and am looking forward to the next one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Andrea.
      I have loved this Barbour series of My Heart Belongs.. books ❤
      I am going to read them all.
      Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
    3. Hi ANDREA! I hope you'll enjoy Sadie's story next spring!

      Delete
  7. Thank you so much for the opportunity! I've heard wonderful things and I can't wait to read this story. (If I win would you mind personalizing it to Jeanne?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jeanne. This is a really good story. Thank you for stopping by.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
    2. Yes, if you win I'd be happy to personalize My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring if you win, Jeanne!

      Delete
  8. Love this story! I enjoy learning about the area from Carrie. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you love this story too, Melissa! Carrie's pictures from her recent trip to the area we're beautiful.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Melissa! Hope to see you sometime soon! Best wishes with your writing!

      Delete
  9. I enjoyed your review, Andrea - thank you!! Looking forward to meeting you next week!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bonnie! I can't wait to meet you in person ❤

      Delete
    2. Bonnie, I pray you and Andrea have a great visit! Praying for travel mercies for both of you!

      Delete
  10. I would love to win this book! Our local libraries don't have it.
    Daniellemweaver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry to hear your library doesn't have the book. Maybe they are waiting for the hardcover copy.
      Thanks for coming by, Danielle.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  11. Looks like a great book. I'd love to win it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a great book Linda.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  12. Thanks for the review. Can't wait to read it. Loved the Seven Mail Order Husbands book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rosie. I loved the Seven Mail Order Husband's book too!
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  13. This looks really good! I would love to win a copy! My email is elise_jehan at yahoo dot com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Elise! I hope you get a chance to read Maude's story soon.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love to win this great book. I have been hearing about the island and Maude so much I feel like I read it already. Carrie congrats on your book I hope it does very well. Thank you for the giveaway. mommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Tammy. It makes me happy to know you are hearing about this book. I'm sure you will love it.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  16. Nice review Andrea.

    Blessings, Tina
    ....not entering, I have the book....

    ReplyDelete
  17. This book is beautiful!! And brings back happy memories of CFRR last year!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sydney.
      I'm hoping to make a few happy memories at CFRR this year.

      Delete
    2. It was SO FUN to share my gorgeous cover with you at CFRR, SYDNEY, last year! Hugs!

      Delete
  18. My heart belongs there too! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ❤ I have not had the pleasure of going there in person but this book, and Carrie's pictures, took me on a wonderful trip.
      Thanks for coming by Kelley.

      Delete
  19. Would love to read this! :D Never been there but it's on my bucket list :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you will love the book, Sabrina. I hope you get to go to Mackinac Island.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete

Google Analytics